TikTok resumes operations in the US following Trump's promise of restoration.

TikTok resumes operations in the US following Trump's promise of restoration.

TikTok has resumed service for its 170 million US users after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order granting the app a reprieve upon taking office on Monday.

The app had ceased functioning for American users on Saturday evening after a ban citing national security concerns came into effect. However, Trump, who had previously supported the ban, pledged on Sunday to delay its enforcement to allow time for a resolution.

Shortly after, TikTok began restoring its services, with a popup message thanking Trump by name. The company also released a statement expressing gratitude to the incoming president for "providing clarity and assurance" and pledged to collaborate on a "long-term solution" to ensure TikTok remains in the United States.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew is expected to attend Trump's inauguration on Monday. Trump, through a post on his social media platform Truth Social, announced his intention to issue an executive order extending the time before the law prohibiting TikTok's service takes effect, in order to negotiate a deal for national security protection.

Earlier, TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, had ignored a law mandating the sale of its US operations to avoid a ban. This law, upheld by the Supreme Court, went into effect on Sunday. However, it's uncertain whether Trump can legally delay the law's enforcement. His administration might refrain from enforcing the ban if the executive order is issued.

Trump's stance on TikTok has shifted from supporting a ban to expressing a "warm spot" for the app, which he credits with helping his presidential campaign gain views. While the Biden administration had refrained from enforcing the law during its final hours, TikTok still ceased operations on Saturday before resuming service on Sunday.

The law, passed in April, required ByteDance to sell its US operations or risk TikTok's removal from app stores and hosting services. TikTok argued that the law violated free speech protections. Despite bipartisan support for the law, it faced opposition from some Republican leaders like Senator Marco Rubio, who criticized TikTok as a tool of Chinese influence. However, Rubio indicated he would defer to Trump's decision on the matter.

Trump's intervention has sparked disagreement within his party. Senator Tom Cotton voiced opposition, warning companies that aid TikTok could face massive legal liabilities under national security and securities law.

Should Trump issue an executive order, it may face legal challenges in court. Additionally, local jurisdictions and lawsuits in various states could still affect TikTok's availability even if the national ban is delayed.

Trump’s order could provide legal immunity for companies supporting TikTok, potentially allowing it to return to platforms like Google and Apple. However, legal experts, such as Professor Carl Tobias, have raised concerns about the retroactive nature of such an order. The Supreme Court hearings indicated that an executive order alone would not change the law's impact on companies, though there is a provision allowing a 90-day delay under certain conditions if national security concerns are addressed.

For now, it remains unclear whether Trump’s executive order will meet these conditions or whether Congress will need to intervene to resolve the issue.